Beginner Scuba Dive with Scubapoint Tenerife in Turtle Area

Tenerife’s Atlantic waters offer a surprisingly easy way to test scuba without signing up for a full course. This two-hour beginner session starts with basic instruction on land, then takes you by boat from Puerto Colón to a sheltered turtle area where a certified PADI instructor guides you underwater.

I like two things in particular: the small groups, limited to 10 people, and the patient help available when breathing underwater feels strange. One couple’s experience shows how the instructors can split their attention sensibly, allowing a confident partner to continue while another instructor helped a nervous beginner. The full equipment and boat ride are also included in the $88 price.

The main consideration is that this is still a real physical activity, not a glass-bottom boat outing. You must be comfortable with the basic health requirements, and the session is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 70.

Key points at a glance

• Turtle-area setting: You head out from Puerto Colón by boat to explore Tenerife’s Atlantic waters.
• Built for first-timers: No previous scuba experience is needed, and the session begins with instruction on land.
• Patient instructor support: A certified PADI instructor stays with you and helps you adjust to breathing underwater.
• Small-group format: Groups are capped at 10 participants, giving the session a more personal feel.
• Two-hour schedule: The short format works well for a first test before committing to a certification course.
• Good package value: At $88 per person, the fee includes full scuba equipment, an instructor, and the boat trip.

Why this Tenerife session works for beginners

The hardest part of a first scuba outing is often not the equipment or the sea. It is the unfamiliar feeling of breathing through a regulator. ScubaPoint’s session allows you to deal with that feeling gradually, starting on land before you enter the water.

You learn the basic equipment and safety procedures first. That matters because underwater comfort comes from knowing what each piece of gear does and what to do if something feels odd. You are not simply handed a tank and sent toward the Atlantic.

The session is designed for people who have never tried scuba. It also suits anyone curious about a full certification course but unwilling to commit several days and more money before knowing if the activity feels right.

I like this trial format because it answers a practical holiday question: Do I actually enjoy being underwater? Some people take to it quickly. Others need time to find a calm breathing rhythm. A short guided session lets you find out without turning your holiday into a training program.

Meeting at Puerto Colón and getting ready

You meet ScubaPoint at Puerto Colón, one of the main departure points for boat activities in Tenerife. The meeting location is useful if you are already spending time in the port area, though you should plan your route carefully because no separate hotel transfer is included in the information provided.

Bring water and beachwear. You will be around the sea for the session, and these simple items are more useful than trying to pack half your suitcase. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which is a basic but important safety rule for any water activity.

The staff can provide instruction in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. That choice can make a real difference during equipment checks and safety explanations. If you are nervous, use the language in which you can follow instructions most easily.

The entire activity lasts about two hours. That includes the preparation, instruction, boat trip, and time in the water, so do not expect a long underwater expedition. The short schedule is part of the appeal, but it also means the session has a clear limit.

Learning the basics before entering the water

The land briefing covers how to use the equipment and the main safety procedures. You should pay close attention here, even if you have watched scuba videos or tried snorkeling before. Scuba involves more equipment and different breathing habits.

The instructor’s job is not only to explain the gear. It is also to help you stay calm and understand the simple actions that make the activity manageable. The information provided does not give a detailed list of every skill taught, so you should think of this as an introductory lesson rather than a substitute for a certification course.

This is also the point to mention any health conditions. The operator specifically asks you to disclose them, and the activity is not suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Pregnant women and people over 70 should not book this session.

The age limit is worth reading carefully. Children under 8 cannot participate. A 10-year-old with special needs received attentive care during one session, but that does not mean every child with additional needs will have the same requirements. Contacting ScubaPoint before booking is sensible if a participant needs extra support.

Taking the boat to Tenerife’s turtle area

After the shore-based preparation, you reach the underwater site by boat. The boat trip is included in the $88 price, so you are not paying separately for the transfer to the site.

The location is described as a turtle area, giving the session a clear focus beyond simply learning equipment skills. You may also see other Atlantic marine life, since the waters around the Canary Islands support a variety of underwater creatures.

It is important to keep expectations sensible. Marine life is never guaranteed, and the session’s main purpose is safe beginner instruction. The turtle area adds interest, but you should not book this as a wildlife guarantee or a long photography trip.

The boat ride also helps the session feel like a proper sea outing rather than a swimming-pool lesson. At the same time, boat access may be less appealing to anyone who gets seasick. No specific seasickness arrangements are provided, so bring only what you need and consider asking the operator about this before departure.

Finding your breathing rhythm underwater

Once you enter the water, your instructor guides you through the first steps. You get the chance to use the skills introduced on land and become familiar with breathing through the regulator.

This is where the small-group limit matters. Ten participants is not a private lesson, but it is a manageable number for a beginner activity. The experience can be especially reassuring if the instructor has enough time to watch individual participants rather than rushing the whole group along.

One couple’s session shows how the staff can handle different comfort levels. One person struggled to find a natural breathing rhythm and needed help reaching greater depth. The instructor stayed with her until she managed it, while her partner continued with another instructor instead of waiting at the surface.

That arrangement is practical and kind. It means a nervous participant does not feel abandoned, while a more confident companion does not lose the whole session. It also gives you a useful idea of what to expect if you need more time than the rest of your group.

Do not judge yourself by how quickly other people adjust. The first minutes underwater can feel unusual, and the point of an introductory session is to learn at a safe pace. Tell the instructor if you are anxious, uncomfortable, or having trouble with your breathing.

Seeing marine life without rushing

The underwater portion gives you time to look around and see Atlantic marine life in its natural setting. The turtle area is the key attraction, though the exact animals and visibility can change with sea conditions.

The Canary Islands are a strong setting for a first sea-based scuba session because you get more than a basic skills lesson. The water itself becomes part of the experience, and looking at the seabed can make the new equipment feel worthwhile.

Still, the visit is not built around a long list of stops. You are not moving between several sites or spending a full day on a boat. The value comes from combining instruction, supervised underwater time, and the chance to see marine life in a compact package.

If you want an underwater outing with a guide constantly nearby, this setup should suit you. If you prefer to swim independently or spend a long time watching animals, you may find the two-hour format too brief.

What the $88 price really includes

At $88 per person, the price is reasonable for a first-time session because it includes the full scuba equipment, instructor support, and boat trip. You do not need to buy or rent your own mask, tank, or other major gear for this outing.

The fee also covers something less visible: supervision. Beginners need more than equipment. They need someone who can explain the basics, watch their comfort level, and respond when breathing underwater does not feel natural.

The small-group limit adds value as well. A cheaper activity with a large crowd could leave you waiting for attention or feeling like one person in a line. Here, the group size is capped at 10, and the instructor languages include English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

The price is less attractive if you are already a certified scuba enthusiast. This is an introductory session, not an advanced trip, a certification course, or a full-day marine excursion. You are paying for a carefully guided first taste.

Who should book this first scuba session

I would recommend it most strongly to adults and older children who are curious, reasonably comfortable in the water, and unsure if scuba is for them. It is also a good match for couples or friends with different confidence levels, since instructors can give extra help without necessarily stopping everyone else.

Families should check the age rule before booking. Children under 8 are not accepted, and the information does not provide a separate children’s program. The example of a well-supported 10-year-old is encouraging, but parents should still discuss individual needs with ScubaPoint.

This is not the right choice for anyone with a listed medical restriction, pregnant participants, or people over 70. You also need to be prepared to follow safety instructions and avoid alcohol and drugs before the activity.

Language should not be a major obstacle for most visitors. Instruction is available in four languages, but you should choose the one in which you can best understand safety guidance.

Practical ways to make the session easier

Bring water and beachwear, and keep your packing simple. The operator supplies the full scuba equipment, so you do not need to bring personal scuba gear.

Arrive ready to listen during the briefing. The land lesson may seem basic, but it prepares you for the unusual sensation of breathing underwater. Your best advantage is a calm attitude and a willingness to tell the instructor when you need help.

If you are booking with a partner, do not assume you will remain side by side every moment. The instructors may divide the group according to comfort and ability. That can be helpful rather than disappointing, especially if one person needs extra time.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Tenerife schedule is still changing, though you should still check available start times before committing.

My verdict: book it if you want a low-risk test

ScubaPoint’s beginner session is a good choice if you want a short, supervised introduction to Tenerife’s underwater world without enrolling in a full course. The best features are practical ones: full equipment, a boat trip, multilingual instructors, small groups, and patient support for people who need time to adjust.

The turtle-area setting gives the outing more character than a basic training session, but wildlife sightings cannot be promised. You should also remember that $88 buys a two-hour introduction, not a lengthy expedition.

Book it if you are curious, healthy enough for the activity, and willing to learn at the instructor’s pace. Skip it if you want independent underwater time, a guaranteed turtle encounter, or a full certification program. For a first test, though, this is a sensible and well-priced way to find out if scuba suits you.

FAQ

Where does the scuba session meet?

You meet ScubaPoint at Puerto Colón in Tenerife.

How long does the activity last?

The session lasts two hours. Availability depends on the starting times offered when you check the booking calendar.

How much does the beginner scuba session cost?

The listed price is $88 per person.

Do I need previous scuba experience?

No. The session is designed for beginners, and no previous scuba experience is required.

Is equipment included?

Yes. Full scuba equipment is included in the activity price.

Is a boat trip included?

Yes. The boat trip to the underwater site is included.

Who leads the session?

A certified PADI instructor leads the activity and guides you underwater.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

How large is the group?

The activity uses small groups limited to 10 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring water and beachwear. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Who should not take part?

The session is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 70. You should disclose any health conditions before taking part.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.